This definition of total disability is the most comprehensive available today to both physicians and dentists. The contract language for this typically reads:

Due to injury or sickness, you are unable to perform the material and substantial duties of your occupation. You will be totally disabled EVEN if you are gainfully employed in another occupation so long as you are not able to work in your occupation.

If you have limited your occupation to the performance of the material and substantial duties of a single medical specialty or to a single dental specialty, we will deem that specialty to be your occupation.

Translated – this means if an illness or sickness prevents you from performing your duties within your medical specialty – the insurance company will pay a benefit AND still allow you to earn an income within either the medical or dental field.

Example: A Plastic Surgeon develops carpal tunnel syndrome, preventing them from performing their specific duties within the medical specialty. They begin receiving disability benefits from the insurance company. The surgeon, unable to return to work as a surgeon, decides to work as a general practice physician. He earns a new income from this position AND still receives the full monthly benefit from the insurance company.